We were genuinely surprised when the Raspberry Pi Zero was announced at just five dollars. Accessing a versatile and compatible platform for so little money seems like a dream, but deep down we knew it was only the beginning. Competitors can come from any direction, and that's how we discovered PINE64, a 64-bit quad-core computer with 512 megabytes of RAM that costs only $15.
The Raspberry Pi Zero is completely sold out. Its low price combined with the impressive amount of compatible software made the platform irresistible to enthusiasts. While those responsible try to restore stock, we now find a development that could become a direct competitor. The big question is: How does it stack up against the Raspberry Pi? Are the specifications improved, or the price? The minds behind the PINE64 project decided to tackle both points, and although it is still more expensive than a Pi Zero, what they deliver in return is impressive.
PINE64 specifications
The PINE64 computer features a quad-core Cortex-A53 SoC with 64-bit support, running at 1.2 GHz. It comes with 512 megabytes of DDR3 RAM, expandable to 1 or 2 GB if you decide to make the extra investment. Additional specifications include a Mali 400-MP2 video module, two USB 2.0 ports, real-time clock, an Ethernet port (10/100 or Gigabit), HDMI output with 4K support, microSD slot, hardware decoding for H.264 and H.265, direct compatibility with lithium batteries, and a decent number of GPIO pins for adding various modules. The PINE64 lacks wireless connectivity (either WiFi or Bluetooth), but that's not detrimental in the short term. Software support extends to Android Lollipop 5.1, Ubuntu, OpenWrt (to use it as a router or firewall, perhaps?) and openHAB.
Kickstarter campaign
The PINE64 has been making its round on Kickstarter for almost a month, and with ten days to go it blew past its original goal of $31,000, receiving more than a million from backers. The basic version (512 megabytes, Ethernet 10/100) costs just $15, but there's more: the Plus edition of the PINE64 adds support for touch panels, camera, and LCD display, along with a Gigabit port and 1 GB of RAM for $19, and those who want to push the memory to 2 GB only need to add an extra ten dollars. Deliveries will take place between February and April.
Official site: Official site.
